How some Dutch people charge their electric car for free

The price of electricity rose sharply in 2022. This was a reason for many Dutch people to no longer opt for a fixed energy contract but for a variable contract. This allows some Dutch people to charge their electric car for free. When the price of electricity is negative, charging an electric vehicle can save you money.

Considering current electricity prices, you can save quite a bit of money – if you have a variable energy contract. The electricity price varies per hour.

Charge your electric car for free or cheap

Dutch people with a variable energy contract and an electric car can really use this. For example, it is best to charge your electric vehicle between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. today. The energy then costs 0.19 euros per kWh. At 7 p.m. you pay 0.33 euros per kWh. If you can charge your e-car at the right time, it saves 14 euros today (100 kWh battery).

The Dutch received money for charging an electric car

Last Monday, March 27th, Dutch electric car owners could even earn money by charging their electric vehicle. The rate between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. was negative. You received 2 euros for charging a 100 kWh battery.

The Dutch are smart when it comes to energy tariffs

De Telegraaf notes that more and more consumers are opting for a variable energy contract and taking advantage of the tariff fluctuations. The fluctuation is caused by green energy. When wind farms and solar panels generate a lot but cannot dispose of the electricity, you get money to buy electricity. When there is little wind and sun, the price increases. The price is falling sharply now, especially when there is a lot of sun. The reason for this is the growing number of solar modules.

If you know how to charge your electric car and do your laundry at the right time, such a contract can be beneficial. If you have an electric vehicle, you can sometimes charge for free and therefore drive very cheaply.